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Power banks are great for charging your phone, GPS, and other devices on multi-day backpacking trips. A power bank is an important purchase. Many backpackers rely on their phones for maps, a compass, and information about campsites and water sources. GPS devices and some headlamps also use rechargeable batteries. These are essential pieces of gear that you wouldn’t want to run out of power while you are on your trip. To help you make this important purchase, I have reviewed the best backpacking power banks.
Top 3 Quick Picks: Top-Rated Backpacking Power Banks
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Overall Best Backpacking Power Bank: Anker PowerCore 20100mAh Portable Charger
With an Anker PowerCore power bank, you will never be disconnected again. The PowerCore 20100mAH Portable Charge provides safe, fast charging for phones and other USB-powered devices. It will charge your phone up to seven times even though it only weighs 12.5 ounces! This makes the Anker PowerCore 20100mAH the best backpacking power bank for any thru-hike, camping trip, or vacation.
Best Backpacking Power Bank for Shorter Trips: Anker PowerCore 5000 Portable Charger
The Anker PowerCore 5000 is small enough to slip into your pocket or the hip-belt pouch on your backpack. But, don’t let its size fool you. It has enough power to fully charge your phone. It can also charge any other USB-powered device. It will fast charge any device that uses less than 2 amps of power such as a smartphone.
Best Solar Charging Backpacking Power Bank: Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank with 4 Solar Panels
The Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank is the best option for folks looking for a lightweight solar-powered power bank. It folds up easily to fit in your backpack. It can charge your phone up to nine times. It’s also waterproof and shockproof which makes it great to use for any outdoor trip such as camping and backpacking.
Key Features of the Best Backpacking Power Banks
Understanding how the power capacity of power banks is measured will help you choose the right one for you. Choosing the wrong one could leave you stranded without a communication device. This buyer’s guide covers everything you need to know about evaluating each backpacking power bank based on its capacity, charging ports, recharge time, and more.
Power
The power of a power bank is measured in amps and mAh. mAh stands for milliamps per hour. It tells you how long the power bank will last when charging your devices. For example, a 13,000 mAh power bank is going to last a lot longer than a 3,000 mAh power bank. The amp output is how much charging power the device provides. The best backpacking power banks will adjust the output amperage automatically based on how much the charging device needs.
Number of Charges
The number of charges you get out of your power bank depends on the mAhs of the power bank and of the device you are charging. It’s impossible to know the exact amount of charges you will get out of a power bank, but many products provide estimates. To give you an idea of how much power you have left in your power bank, most power banks have a button with lights that will indicate the power level. Some even have an LED screen to give a more accurate percentage of power left.
Charging Time
The amount of time it will take a device to charge is based on the output amperage of the power bank and the charging device. If you are charging a tablet that uses 2.4 amps of power with a power bank that has a 2 amp output, the tablet will not charge at full speed. If you want the fastest possible charging time, look for a power bank that specifically states it uses fast-charging technology.
Charging Ports
Your power bank will have at least one USB-A port for charging your phone, tablet, GPS, or another small device. Some power banks will have two or three USB ports to charge multiple devices at the same time. Keep in mind that this may increase the time it takes to fully charge your devices. There will also be a port for charging the power bank itself. This is usually a micro-USB port.
Recharging Time
The recharging time is the amount of time it takes the power bank to have a full power level when plugged in. The more mAh a power bank has, the longer it may take to recharge. Some may take over 12 hours to fully charge. Your power bank may charge faster when plugged into a wall outlet than when plugged into a computer’s USB port. While the power bank is recharging, you cannot power or recharge any other devices, so plan accordingly when going on long trips.
Weight
For backpackers, the weight of each item of gear matters. So, when shopping for your power bank, you will want to consider the weight of the device. Generally, power banks with more power capacity are heavier. You will want to find the right balance between the power capacity and weight of the device.
FAQs About Backpacking Power Banks
What Can I Charge With My Power Bank?
Power banks are most commonly used to charge phones, but they can charge most small devices that have a USB charging port. You can charge your tablet, e-reader, GPS, and headlamp. Some headlamps use triple-A batteries, so if you want to charge your headlamp with your power bank, make sure to purchase a headlamp with a charging port.
Some power banks can also charge low-power devices such as Bluetooth headphones, speakers, and smartwatches, but others cannot. If you want a power bank that can charge any of these devices, make sure to check for compatibility before purchasing.
You cannot charge larger electronics like laptops with a power bank. You also cannot power appliances such as hair dryers, coffee makers, or fans. To charge these when you are camping or traveling, you will need a power station which is kind of like a generator that runs on a lithium battery.
Is My Power Bank Compatible with My Backpack?
You can put your power bank into any backpack, but if the backpack isn’t water-resistant, I recommend putting the power bank and charging cable(s) into a waterproof bag such as a ziplock bag. This will protect your power bank from unexpected weather and accidental spills.
Some backpacks even have a built-in USB charging port. Most of these backpacks have an internal charging wire built-in. The wire runs from the USB port and connects to the micro-USB port on your power bank. Usually, there is a pocket specifically for the power bank near the built-in cable. A power bank is not always included with these backpacks, so you will need to purchase one. Check out our reviews of the best backpacks with chargers for some great backpack options.
Can I Take My Power Bank on an Airplane?
Power banks use lithium batteries which are not allowed on airplanes in checked luggage. Luckily, they are allowed on carry-ons. It’s completely ok to bring your power bank onto the plane in your carry on backpack. In fact, you can even use it while you’re on the plane except during take-off and landing. It’s great for keeping your phone charged during long flights. Here is the official TSA site on the topic.
The 8 Best Backpacking Power Banks
Anker PowerCore 20100mAh Portable Charger –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Power Capacity: 20,100 mAh
Output Power: 4.8 amps
Charging Ports: 2
Weight: 12.5 ounces
Anker is the gold standard of power banks. The Anker PowerCore 20,100mAh is the overall best backpacking power bank. It uses high-quality LG battery cells to protect your devices from damage. It weighs less than one pound while still being able to charge a phone up to seven times. It also uses Anker’s exclusive PowerIQ fast-charging technology. It can fully charge an Android phone in less than two hours.
I used this power bank on a three-week backpacking trip in the mountains. It allowed me to use my Samsung Galaxy phone and Garmin inReach Mini GPS every day to track my route, take pictures, send my family text updates, and listen to podcasts. I charged the power bank overnight once a week when I stopped in towns to get more supplies. I felt safe and connected the entire time I was in the backcountry.
The PowerCore 20,100mAh comes in four color options. It also comes with a soft travel pouch to protect the device from drops and scratches. This power bank takes 10 hours to recharge when it’s completely empty. It has four lights to indicate the remaining power level. Simply press the bottom on the side to see the level.
Anker PowerCore 5000 Portable Charger –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Power Capacity: 5,000 mAh
Output Power: 2 amps
Charging Ports: 1
Weight: 4.8 ounces
If you need a power bank just for weekend trips, then the PowerCore 5000 is the best option for you. It uses the same safe, fast-charging technology as the PowerCore 20100mAH, but it’s much smaller and lighter weight. There is no need to carry around extra power and weight if you don’t need it. This cylinder-shaped device weighs less than half a pound. It’s only four inches tall and one inch wide.
This Anker power bank can charge your phone one time fully if it’s completely dead. It may even have some power left over for another partial charge. Like the larger version, it comes with a travel case and lights to show you the power level. It comes in black, blue, and red options. It’s also generally considered an affordable option making it the best backpacking power bank for backpackers on a budget.
Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank with 4 Solar Panels –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Power Capacity: 25,000 mAh
Output Power: 2.1 amps
Charging Ports: 2
Weight: 1.1 pounds
The Hiluckey Outdoor Portable Power Bank is the best solar-powered backpacking power bank. It has four foldable solar panels for charging, but you can also charge it with the provided micro USB cable. With a large 25,000 mAh capacity, it can charge a phone up to nine times and a tablet up to four times. The 2.1 amp output speed means you can charge two iPhones at the same time at maximum speed. If you are charging a phone and a tablet simultaneously, the charging speed may be reduced.
This solar-charged power bank has some excellent additional features for backpacking. It’s waterproof and airtight to keep out water and dust. It’s also shockproof to protect against accidental drops. Lastly, it has a built-in flashlight that includes an SOS mode. This power bank is great for all your outdoor adventures! We also have recommended reviews of the best solar backpacks.
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Power Capacity: 22,000 mAh
Output Power: 5.8 amps
Charging Ports: 3
Weight: 14.4 ounces
This RAVPower Portable Charger is unique in that it has three USB ports, so you can charge three devices at once! It’s one of the best backpacking power banks for many reasons. It has an extra-large power capacity for charging multiple devices for several days. Each USB port provides 2.4 amps of power to fast-charge most any phone or tablet. One of the great things about this power bank is that the amperage is automatically adjusted between the three ports to provide the safest most efficient power at all times.
This is an excellent power bank for long trips in the backcountry. It comes with two micro USB chargers and a travel pouch. It has four LED lights for checking the power level.
INIU 10000mAh Portable Charger –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Power Capacity: 10,000 mAh
Output Power: 3 amps
Charging Ports: 2
Weight: 7.4 ounces
The INIU Portable Charger is an excellent fast-charging power bank. I love the design of this power bank. It has an LED light in the shape of a dog paw on the front to display the power level at all times. The bottom has a rigid webbing for extra grip. The power bank comes with a soft, travel pouch and a USB-powered flashlight.
This phone-shaped power bank is lightweight and can be easily thrown into any backpack or bag when traveling. It’s one of the best backpacking power banks for iPhone users because it has USB-C ports for input and output. It will charge your phone, GPS, and other devices multiple times.
TG90 10000mAh Power Bank –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Power Capacity: 10,000 mAh
Output Power: 2.1 amps
Charging Ports: 1 plus 2 built-in charging cables
Weight: 7.4 ounces
The TG90 10,000 mAh Power Bank is the best backpacking power bank with built-in charging cables. The two built-in cables tuck into the sides of the power bank for a slim, sleek design. On one side of the power bank is a lighting cable for charging Apple devices. The other side has a two-in-one USB-C and micro USB cable. Like other power banks, it also has a USB-A port in case you prefer to use your own charging cable.
The size and shape of this power bank are very similar to an iPhone. The power bank recharges in six hours when plugged into a fast-charging wall adapter. It comes in black and white color options. A unique feature of this backpacking power bank is the power button to turn it on and off without having to unplug anything.
GETIHU 10000mAh Portable Charger with LED Display –
Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Power Capacity: 10,000 mAh
Output Power: 4.8 amps
Charging Ports: 2
Weight: 6.7 ounces
This GETIHU Portable Charger is one of the lightest weight power banks on our list. What makes this one of the best backpacking power banks is the LED display screen that tells you the exact power level it has left. The screen is not always on. Simply press the button on the side to see the percentage of power left.
This power bank is also safe and fast-charging. It can efficiently charge low-power devices such as Bluetooth headphones and smartwatches. It can charge your phone up to four times and your Bluetooth headphones up to 13 times!
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Power Capacity: 2,600 mAh
Output Power: 1.5 amps
Charging Ports: 1
Weight: 1.25 pounds
The Goal Zero Switch 10 Core Recharger is another great solar-powered backpacking power bank. The power bank itself is a small, cylinder-shaped device that can be charged in three ways: (1) using the built-in, flip-up USB charging tip, (2) using the provided micro USB cable, or (3) using the provided solar panel. The foldable, two-panel solar panel will recharge the power bank in as little as four hours.
This power bank and solar panel package also comes with a fan and LED flashlight. Both the fan and the light have a built-in USB charging tip, so you can easily attach them directly to the power bank.
Final Words
When shopping for your power bank, remember that the higher the mAh, the more charging power. Also, look at the output amperage, charging time, number of charging ports, and weight to determine which power bank is best for you.
An Anker power bank is by far the best backpacking power bank you can buy. Purchase the 5,000 mAh PowerCore for weekend trips, and the larger 20,100 mAh PowerCore for longer trips. These high-quality devices will provide you with the security you need from your phone and GPS whether you are in the backcountry or traveling abroad.
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